Ask the Experts

Garden City Hospital is here to help. Now you can browse, search and view answers to frequently asked health questions. Have a personal health question you need answered? We can do that too! Simply submit your question and we will get it to the appropriate GCH health expert for an answer.

Ask the Experts is for general information purposes only. It should never be thought of as medical advice or treatment, nor should it be used in place of a thorough medical screening or an exam by a licensed medical professional. Medical advice should be sought from an emergency room, urgent care center, or licensed medical professional. If you need help finding a physician, use our online physician directory to locate a Garden City Hospital Health Expert that’s right for you.

Check the Sunday issue or your local O&E for more answers from the GCH Health Experts.

Note: Questions are selected both randomly and based on relevance or frequency. Not all submitted questions will be answered. Answers will be posted on GCH.org and not supplied directly to the submitter. To maintain personal privacy, we do not require any personal information be given to submit questions.

Q

Winter has really taken a toll on my feet this year. Before I slip on my peep toes or consider running barefoot through the grass, what can I do to make my feet look and feel better?

A

To begin your total foot transformation, start by removing any old polish caked on your toes and exfoliating them with a fresh lemon. Lemon brightens up your nails, helping them look healthie... read more

To begin your total foot transformation, start by removing any old polish caked on your toes and exfoliating them with a fresh lemon. Lemon brightens up your nails, helping them look healthier in an instant.

If polished toenails are a summertime must, keep in mind that a bad pedicure has the potential to create a variety of health issues. The relaxing whirlpool you’re soaking in, the files and other tools, all have the potential to spread nail fungus, warts even serious bacterial infections. Reduce your risks, find a reputable salon that passes your eye test for cleanliness and stay with them. Don’t shave or wax your legs at least 24 hours prior to your appointment, microscopic cuts can increase your risk for infection.

While that new pair of sandals may look hot, they can often cause painful blisters. Blisters form from the friction of the shoe rubbing against a part of your foot unaccustomed to this type of stress. The area then balloons out and fills with fluid that cushions and protects the deeper layers of skin. Prevention is key. Buy quality made, comfortable shoes that don’t need to be “broken in.” Also, try to buy shoes later in the day when your feet have spread out the most. Look for soft fabrics or leather. To make sure they stay pain-free, wear them around the house for an hour or so before you wear them outside.

Another important thing to consider, wearing sandals leaves your heels exposed and can cause the skin to crack. If you have any deep cracks or scabs, treat the heel with an antibiotic oil and cover with a bandage. Treat normal dry heels with an exfoliating moisturizer twice a day and try running and a pumice stone over them once or twice a week. Extremely dry, cracked or bleeding heels may be the sign of a more severe condition, and I recommend seeing your physician or a podiatrist right away.

Finally, remember that flip-flops are NOT created equally. Over wearing these summertime staples can lead to stress fractures, heel pain, shin splints, planter fasciitis, tendonitis, and increase the risk for hammertoes. Most flip-flops are only meant for the locker room or pool, and not designed to be worn all day. Look for a pair with good arch support and a thicker sole. The more straps the better, as they reduce stress placed on the toes to grip the flip-flop.